SENTHIL VISWANATHAN explores the concept of zero, from both computing and spiritual perspectives. Through this, he uncovers the very origins and base of our existence as human beings, and also why this hidden part of ourselves is eclipsed by whatever manifests from it. He highlights the importance of the attitudes of insignificance and humility in our personalities if we are to glimpse the nothingness at the center of our being.
In the world of computers, the basic representation of information uses the binary system. In the binary system, there are just two states of information—presence (one) or absence (zero) of a bit of information.
Any number can be represented by a combination of these data of ones and zeroes. The operations permitted on this binary system of data—addition, multiplication, division, negation etc.—permit both the representations of complex data as well as computation, thereby enabling it to become both the storehouse of information and the logic that transforms and uses it.
This Zero or Nothingness is contained in every number (zero added to any number is the same number). Similarly in a graph, the center of the graph is denoted by the coordinates 0, 0. Every other coordinate is anchored in reference to this center, and is contained within it.
In computer science, this binary representation is used to represent every bit of information, perform mathematical operations using the same binary logic, and transform information from one dimension to the other—like representing sound as a series of zeros and ones and bringing it back as music by doing the inverse. All this is possible by the base representation of just two states—presence and absence of just ONE bit.
The core of the computer is an oscillator which generates this series of alternate ones and zeroes, or as a sinusoidal wave. This crystal oscillator is the lifeline and heartbeat of the computer. Everything else is derived from this base; however, it is easily forgotten and eclipsed by the creations and representations which are derived from it.
In the book, Truth Eternal, the Heartfulness Guide, Lalaji states the following:
“The Vedas are liable to be questioned because the real mantra, shruti, or udgeet, is OM. In them are found “becoming-ness,” the quality of being counted, and the sentiments of the hearts of human beings. That is why there appears some difference whenever they are caught in words. For example, one and the same integer or unit assumes different forms of sums under the principles of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. The whole sum, in spite of inversions and seeming contradiction, is an integer or unit only, and has the form of integers alone—in just the same way as water assumes various forms on passing through various channels as a fountain, well, tank, river, or canal. Nevertheless, it remains the same water.”
On the topic of spirituality, he states:
“Where there is only one thing, there is no motivation of idea. Nor is there any opportunity for discrimination, addition, or subtraction, multiplication, or division. Where is knowledge, where is action and where is bliss when there is only one? When there are two, then only is a third state produced by their combination, as also discrimination between this and that, you and me. The knot is in the middle, and at one end there is one head and at the other end there is another. Mind is the middle knot, at one end of which there is the higher self of consciousness and at the other end there is the lower state of inertness or unconsciousness. The mind, taking the shadow and influence of both, becomes a knot of consciousness and inertness, and is compelled to think and understand.”
The above two quotes are akin to the binary system in computers enabling us to represent and compute everything, thereby creating the digital world.
It seems to me that the subtle and physical bodies are caused and manifested by the causal body.
Consciousness (Chit) and the functions that play out in the field of Consciousness—including Mind (Manas), Intellect (Buddhi), and Ego (Ahankara)—originated out of a base, but they easily eclipse the base from which they manifested and get caught in the web of their own creation.
Our journey seems to be to become aware of this base, which is the root of all existence, which animates us from inside out, and to be in tune with the base and be the best manifestation possible of it. It is almost like the leading edge of a perennially moving wave. It is an energy point which keeps moving up and down as a series of points. When we look back it is a wave, but it is also a point which is in continuous and rhythmic motion.
My spiritual Guide, a fellow human being who is anchored to the base through his own negation and attitudes of insignificance and humility, makes me aware of the possibility of such an existence, and reminds me of what it is that animates me from inside out. Being in sync with such an individual, I realize the possibility to resonate with the same frequency and manifest similar qualities.
Our journey seems to be to become
aware of this base, which is the root of all
existence, which animates us from inside
out, and to be in tune with the base and
be the best manifestation possible of it.
Senthil Viswanathan
Senthil is an engineering management professional in the telecommunication and semiconductor domains with five US patents to his credit. He has been a Heartfulness practitioner for 25 years and is a Heart... Read More
